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“I did not ask for you to chase after me,” she blatantly retorted, raising a brow, as if to punctuate her point. “I believe I tried to prevent you from doing so.”

“And yet you gave in because you knew you could manipulate me. Admit it.”

“You were rather persuasive,” she conceded, shaking her head. “You were more of a distraction, one I was constantly torn with.”

He scrunched his face in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I was trying to find my sister, and instead, I kept finding myself in your presence. I had no intention of trying to manipulate anyone except for King Bradwick. As his guard, I knew you would not reveal her whereabouts, so I did not try.” She let her eyes trail over the length of his Dragon form. He was sure she wouldn’t be able to see his true colouring or shaping in the dark. “The only night I truly tricked you was the night I went to Bradwick’s chambers.”

“You expect me to believe such lies?”

She shrugged. “I did not know you were a Dragon until the night of the ball, Geryon. After I watched you kill that Witch, I realised what you were. I knew then that I had to leave.” She averted her gaze, looking down at her hands. “I believed you were human, just as you believed I was a human. The reality of the situation is: we tricked each other.”

He thought back on that night. A quiet gasp of realisation left him. “You were afraid of me.”

Only once she realised what he was did her fear set in. He’d never scented it from her before that moment.

“Yes, because I understood what you were. Once I did, I realised I should have seen the signs earlier.” She brought her gaze back up. “You would always find me, like you knew where I was. You were following my scent.”

Could it be true?Had she really not tried to trick him?

He thought she knew what he was from the beginning, that she had been using her wiles against him, since it was obvious he’d been intrigued. He thought her desire had been false, a way to manipulate him.

Was it a lie?Or had she actually felt lust for him? Did it matter? The fact she was a Witch still made him shudder with distaste.

But if this was the truth, then it dissipated some of his anger.What would I have done to save my own kin?Geryon would do anything to save his family, just as they would for him.

“Not your scent; someone else’s.” The woman in front of him didn’t smell soft anymore. Her scent changed to one of a rich musk, one that suited her.

“Lady Cecily was very useful to me.”

He snorted. “Who are you really?”

“My name is Valerie Faerydae, the Heartless – named by my mother.” With her mask firmly in place once more, he could see why she would have such a title.

He frowned deeply, tilting his head in thought. “Faerydae? That name no longer exists.” A snarl rumbled from his chest. “To wear this stolen name is a disgrace to its owner!”

She folded her hands in her lap as she gazed around the clearing. She looked like a delicate lady, just like in the palace, but it didn’t suit the woman when she was covered in blood from head to toe.

“No, I speak the truth. Our ancestors are those of the first Dragon and human mating. My family and coven come from the first Witch, born over a thousand years ago.” She didn’t look at him while she spoke, too busy studying the trees like they were of more interest. “We have been hiding since Strolguil the Vast began to turn Witches corrupt. We have been continuing our line in secret so we may follow the old ways.”

Finally, she looked back to him.

“I do not care if you believe me. You merely asked me who I am, and I am telling you what I have been taught since I was a girl. I live with my mother and three sisters, including Kaeylyn, who you have in your hand. That is my coven.”

His eyes narrowed. “If what you tell me is true, then your bloodline is special. Faerydae was a great Dragon, and although he started the unfortunate plague that is your kind, he is still respected.”

“Faerydae did not start the plague. Strolguil’s Dragon parent was careless and caused him to go astray. If we have remained white Witches for a thousand years, it means our incorruptibility comes from the strength of our blood and will of mind. If even now we remain pure, it cannot be his fault.”

He couldn’t help but sneer. “You say this, but you have used dark magic.”

“Yes, and I do not regret it.” When he snarled in her direction at her brazen words, she looked away, as though she were bored by his display of anger. It only angered him further! “Which is why I wish to make a deal with you. You could say it is more of a favour.”

“Why should I help you?”

“You do not have to, but I can still fight you for my sister.” His head reared back in a response. He gave a laugh, but she spoke before he could give an offensive retort. “Let me take my sister home. She does not deserve to be punished, and I believe she has suffered enough.”

“What a ridiculous suggestion. I cannot free her.”